The Hillsborough Rotary Club donated $500 to Project Graduation, the organization dedicated to creating a safe, fun event for Hillsborough High School (HHS) seniors on graduation night.
“Research shows that drinking and driving fatalities surge during graduation season and particularly on graduation night,” Karen Briegs, Project Graduation co-chair, said in a statement provided by the Project Graduation co-chairs. “Through Project Graduation we can create a memory-making evening for kids who have lost out on so many moments this year, while also ensuring that no parents get a devastating call, that not one child is lost.”
The donation supports the Rotary’s mission to make a positive and lasting impact in the community.
“We are proud to once again support the effort to keep our HHS graduates safe and sound on graduation night through structured, fun and supervised activities,” Rich Salem, Hillsborough Rotary president, and father of two HHS prior-year graduates, said in the statement. “Project Graduation aligns nicely with our mission to serve important community needs, both locally and around the world, through member volunteer efforts, partnerships and financial support.”
Project Graduation intends to raise $40,000 in total to carry on a 30-year tradition to provide a no-cost event for more than 400 HHS seniors, ensuring that the event remains accessible for all who wish to attend, according to the statement.
The donation from the Rotary is meaningful as fundraising has been particularly challenging with traditional events, such as the Fashion Show, Prom Dress Sale, and more prohibited due to COVID-19 restrictions, according to the statement. Project Graduation volunteers will still hold the Senior Lawn Sign, Easter and Mother’s Day Flower Sale, Clothing and Restaurant Week Fundraisers, among others.
To donate to Project Graduation, visit GoFundMe; Venmo (@HHS-PG) or Paypal.
For updates on Project Graduation, check out Facebook and Instagram.
To volunteer or for questions about Project Graduation, reach out to Briegs or Michelle Bauman at [email protected]
The Rotary Club is currently meeting by Zoom but will resume meeting as soon as possible at 6:15 p.m. at The Landing restaurant, 311 Amwell Road, Hillsborough, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Follow them on Facebook at @rotaryclubofhillsboroughnj.